President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called for prioritisation of food security and self-sufficiency across Africa, highlighting the continent’s vast agricultural potential.

Speaking at the weekend during a courtesy visit by the AfricaRice Centre, a pan-African centre of excellence for the product research, development, and capacity-building at his Lagos office, Dangote identified agriculture as a major pillar for sustainable development on the continent.

“Africa is richly endowed with arable land. With the right policies, adequate investment, and the adoption of modern technology, farmers can significantly increase their yields and returns on investment,” he said.

The richest African stressed that strengthening agriculture would address the continent’s socio-economic challenges, given its role as a major source of employment and income.

“With effective policy frameworks and technological advancement, Africa can achieve food security and become self-sufficient. Investing in agriculture will also unlock growth across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Dangote Rice Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries, recently signed a landmark N1.8 trillion purchase and sale agreement with Niger Foods Security Systems.

and Logistics Company Limited, owned by the Niger State government.

The deal is to ensure a steady supply of high-quality paddy rice to the company, thus supporting Nigeria’s broader food security agenda.

Director-General of AfricaRice, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, commended Dangote’s renewed focus on agriculture, describing it as a critical step towards achieving food security on the continent.
He also lauded the partnership with Niger State, noting its potential to transform regional food systems.

Besides, DIL is sponsoring the 2025 Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), which officially opens on September 25.

In a statement by the Branding and Corporate Communications Department, the company said: “Dangote Group is proud to announce its strategic partnership with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), organisers of the 2025 Abuja International Trade Fair. This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, and boost intra-African trade and investments.

“The forum also serves as a platform for us to showcase a wide range of innovative products and our contributions to the sustainable development of Nigeria.”

Signed by the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, the statement said the Dangote Group has been consistent in its partnership with the chamber, adding that the company’s President, Aliko Dangote, is passionate about the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which, he said, is strategically located in Nigeria’s capital city and home to policymakers and members of the diplomatic community.

Chiejina said the theme for the 20th fair, ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,’ aptly resonates with the conglomerate’s core.

A statement quoted Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as saying: “Dangote Industries Limited is a recognised market leader in Africa, yet it is not resting on its oars. Nearly all our Strategic Business Units will be showcasing innovative products at the fair, ranging from sugar, cement, salt, fertiliser, trucks, Dangote Peugeot Automobile, packaging materials, seasoning, petroleum products, and more.”

President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emeka Obegolu (SAN), announced that the 12-day event is to attract over 100,000 participants.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director-General of ACCI, DrAgabaiduJideani, observed that by participating, investors like the Dangote Group, stand to gain a lot through access to market, green opportunities, network and collaboration, brand visibility and credibility, among others.